Tag Archives: ableism

Shaun Bickley, Autistic Leftist Activist, full of vitriol and ableism, was confirmed today in a Commission Appointed seat on the Seattle Disabilities Commission.

Below is a link to the special meeting – there are several public comments which start at 12:15 and run through 26:00. The discussion with Bickley and Co-Chair ObeySumner regarding the appointment begins at 1:03:45 and runs through 1:31:29

I fully understand the process and the “hands-off” approach the city council is taking with a Commission Appointment. I also understand this is the first time there have been public comments opposing an appointment. Given that this appointment, with knowledge of the allegations and evidence of abuse, libel, discrimination, violations of First Amendment and violations of the Washington State Law Open Public Meetings Act, was confirmed sets a dangerous precedent in Seattle.

Is it an oxymoron that Mayor Durkan signed Executive Order 2018-04: Anti-Harassment and Anti-Discrimination today? This “will reform and update how the City addresses allegations of harassment, discrimination, and other forms of misconduct.”

The Seattle Commission for People with disAbilities has made a recommendation to the Seattle City Council to eliminate certificates which enable employers to pay people with specific disabilities a commensurate wage. I know that there are discussions all across the country that are looking at issues of employment and wages for people with disabilities.

This is a quick update on this very heated discussion. From what I can assume by the articles that I read and the correspondence I have had with at least two of the commissioners regarding this issue via Facebook, there has been little research or collaboration with those in our community who may be, now or in the future, affected by this proposal.

Attempts to offer insight, requests for research, transition plans and funding plans have been ignored and people who expressed concerns have been rudely and aggressively mistreated by at least one of the commissioners.

Below is the first letter that I submitted on the Facebook page. This led to the Facebook page administrator blocking me from further comments or reacting to any posts – and this post was removed.

I am the parent and guardian of a young adult with significant intellectual/developmental and mental health disabilities – all of a degenerative nature and I network with many other families, caregivers, guardians and people with IDD who totally disagree with the assumptions that you and others are making about those with disabilities.

Yes, the members of the commission may have disabilities but is the specific population of those with significant intellectual/developmental disabilities represented? The population which identifies as disabled is extremely heterogeneous and we need to have choices available to ensure that all have a chance and opportunity to work. We are all very concerned regarding this issues. For many of these people who work under these certificates, it’s not about making a living wage – it’s about having a job and being a member of the community, participating, sharing experiences and having daily goals and activities – basically adding meaning to their lives.

Unfortunately, my son and others who experience some of the same types of issues he does, are not able to articulate their ideas, attend meetings, and speak in coherent sentences – even with the help of assistive technology, and so their voices are not heard.

You do not speak for them – in fact, it is quite the opposite because you deny the people who know, love and understand them, the opportunity to provide their ideas and choices. These people are their friends, families, guardians, caregivers, coaches, case managers, co-workers. These are the people who are all better equipped to fill in and be a proxy for their voices.

The fact that you make assumptions that you are speaking for all people with disabilities without taking into consideration those who are affected by this issue is an act of discrimination and devaluation of their personhood.

We need these certificates to ensure choice – remember the saying “nothing about us, without us” – Please take it to heart!

Mr. Shaun Bickley, one of the commissioners, took offense with my letter, stating “”nothing about us, without us” refers to disabled people, not to parents, siblings, neighbors, co-workers and other allies”. He wrote that they (the commission) were all disabled and therefore can speak for all people with disabilities – whereas, guardians’ concerns are only self-serving. He wrote that all people, even if they can just move one muscle, can make their choices known – regardless if others understand them or not. (I am very confused by this since if others do not understand, how are their choices known?)

In looking at the members of the commission I noticed that several are lawyers, a few have PhDs and several others have a variety of advanced college degrees, one is a filmmaker and an artist, one is a medical doctor – I’m curious which one has an intellectual/developmental disability? This is the question that got me blocked from the Facebook page as it was seen as using “degrading language and making people feel unsafe.”

More to come – letters have been sent to The Seattle Commission for People with Disabilities, the Mayor’s office, the Office of Labor Standards and to each member on the Seattle City Council.

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